Slow-Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Delight

This Slow-Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Delight is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-prepare meal fills your home with irresistible aromas, delivering a crowd-pleasing, comforting dinner everyone will love in just a few hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true game-changer for anyone craving a delicious, hassle-free meal. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. The sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce create a perfect balance, coating juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth. It’s versatile enough for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, and the minimal prep means you can set it and forget it while you tackle your day. Plus, the sticky, caramelized sauce makes every bite absolutely irresistible, ensuring this dish will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use a Liner: Slow-cooker liners make cleanup a breeze, especially with sticky BBQ sauce.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to reduce it.
• Shred or Serve Whole: Shred the chicken for sandwiches or serve thighs whole for a plated meal.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust honey or BBQ sauce to your preference.
• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

Yield: Serves 4

Slow-Cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Delight

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Tender chicken thighs simmered in sweet honey BBQ sauce for a delicious, easy slow-cooker meal perfect for any night.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or tangy variety)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker or use a liner for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over, ensuring all pieces are coated.
5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender.
6. Check Doneness: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.
7. Optional Thickening: For thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes.
8. Shred or Serve: Shred chicken with two forks for sandwiches or serve whole with sauce spooned over.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, if desired.
10. Serve with Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Adjust cooking time slightly if using bone-in thighs, checking for doneness.
• For extra flavor, sear chicken thighs briefly before adding to the slow cooker.
• Store extra sauce separately to drizzle over leftovers.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 639Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 277mgSodium 1676mgCarbohydrates 67gFiber 1gSugar 58gProtein 57g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

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Ingredients Notes

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for their juiciness and tenderness, but bone-in works too (adjust cooking time).
• Honey: Use pure, high-quality honey for the best sweetness and depth of flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Choose a smoky or tangy BBQ sauce to complement the honey; avoid overly sweet varieties.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor; pre-minced is fine for convenience.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances the sweetness and adds umami without overpowering.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances the BBQ flavor, but regular paprika works in a pinch.

Variations and Substitutions

For a spicy kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Swap OC: If you don’t have chicken thighs, try chicken breasts, though they may be slightly less juicy. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet note. For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce. Vegetarians can substitute chicken with jackfruit or portobello mushrooms for a similar texture.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the chicken moist.

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